Ken Griffey Jr.'s career

June 3, 2010 12:00 AM

Griffey was drafted by the Seattle Mariners as the first pick of the 1987 amateur draft.

Griffey was drafted by the Seattle Mariners as the first pick of the 1987 amateur draft.

Photo: Gary Stewart, AP

Griffey was drafted by the Seattle Mariners as the first pick of... Photo-1257615.18394 - Houston Chronicle

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Griffey was named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team in 1999. The list was compiled of the 100 greatest players from the past century according to a panel of experts. Griffey was only 29 years old.

Griffey was named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team in 1999. The list was compiled of the 100 greatest players from the past century according to a panel of experts. Griffey was only 29 years old.

Photo: JIM MONE, AP

Griffey was named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team in... Photo-1257616.18394 - Houston Chronicle

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Griffey was named the American League MVP in 1997. He led the majors in runs (126), home runs (56), RBIs (147), slugging percentage (.646), total bases (393) and intentional bases on balls (23).

Griffey was named the American League MVP in 1997. He led the majors in runs (126), home runs (56), RBIs (147), slugging percentage (.646), total bases (393) and intentional bases on balls (23).

Photo: JOHN DUNN, AP

Griffey was named the American League MVP in 1997. He led the... Photo-1257617.18394 - Houston Chronicle

Griffey hit five home runs during the 1995 American League Division Series between the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees. In Game 5 of the series Griffey scored the winning run in the 11th inning to eliminate the Yankees from the postseason. less

Griffey hit five home runs during the 1995 American League Division Series between the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees. In Game 5 of the series Griffey scored the winning run in the 11th inning to ... more

Photo: Elaine Thompson, AP

Griffey hit five home runs during the 1995 American League Division... Photo-1257621.18394 - Houston Chronicle

Griffey was traded from the Seattle Mariners to his hometown Cincinnati Reds in 2000.

Griffey was traded from the Seattle Mariners to his hometown Cincinnati Reds in 2000.

Photo: AL BEHRMAN, AP

Griffey was traded from the Seattle Mariners to his hometown... Photo-1257627.18394 - Houston Chronicle

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Griffey played nine years for the Cincinnati Reds (2000-2008).

Griffey played nine years for the Cincinnati Reds (2000-2008).

Photo: JAMES A. FINLEY, AP

Griffey played nine years for the Cincinnati Reds (2000-2008). Photo-1257628.18394 - Houston Chronicle

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Griffey Jr., left, gives his father, Ken Griffey Sr., a memorable Father's Day gift, hitting his 500th career home run in the sixth inning off St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Matt Morris, Sunday, June 20, 2004. less

Griffey Jr., left, gives his father, Ken Griffey Sr., a memorable Father's Day gift, hitting his 500th career home run in the sixth inning off St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Matt Morris, Sunday, June 20, ... more